What's important to me? My faith, my family, and my friends.
Sometimes there are books that insist on being written, so I help them along, just so I can learn what they have to say. Whenever possible, have a nice day!

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Linus Understood the Light of Love

Sharing two entries from my Advent book, "A Candle is Burning."

The Light of Love

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the week that
represents Love. As we light the last purple candle, along with the other
candles, the light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. His birth brings light to the darkness of
despair.

John
1:1-5

In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was
in the beginning with God. All things
were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light
of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not
comprehendit.

In the beginning, was God, and He sent His Son to became
flesh, in other words, man. Jesus showed us how to put God’s love into practice,
even dying to do so. God wants a relationship with you, just as you are.

John
1:14

And the Word
became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the
only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

As we begin the last week of Advent, the waiting is
almost over. Soon, we’ll celebrate the birth that changed everything, when God’s
love arrived as a newborn.

When the candle of Love is lighted, remember God’s
love for you and share it with others.

Linus Understood

One of the most familiar Christmas traditions is the
Charlie Brown Christmas Special. It
has been almost 50 years since it first aired in 1965. Charles Schultz insisted
on using the voices of real children, which was a new idea. He also insisted on
using average children, not professionals. The CBS executives had serious
reservations about this. They were especially concerned about Linus quoting
from the Bible on network television and almost refused!

50% of the television viewing audience watched it
that night and it got wonderful reviews. They related to Charlie Brown’s
question, “What is the realmeaning of Christmas?” The children’s
play, the overly-decorated doghouse, and search for the perfect tree
represented the false emphasis of the holiday then, and still happens today.

Luke
2:12-14

“And this will be the sign to you: You will
find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and
saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

When Linus quoted the Christmas Story from the Gospel
of Luke, he touched the hearts of viewers. It is my favorite scene from any
movie. You may want to share it with someone today..